A Catholic writer and activist has been arrested and detained in the northern Chinese province of Hebei on suspicion of “splitting the country.”
Catholic activist and writer Pang Jian, 30, who writes under the pen-name Gao Yang, was detained by police in Hebei’s Gaobeidian city since January, said a report from Radio Free Asia.
His detention came after he reported on forced demolitions and evictions in rural areas around Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei.
“The police came and searched our home, looking through Pang Jian’s stuff,” said the activist’s father, Pang Jingxian. “They took it all away, and we didn’t hear anything for a while.”
The police later sent a notice of detention and a notice of formal arrest to Pang Jingxian dated January 15 and January 28, respectively.
“After they notified me, I went to visit him a few times, but we haven’t heard anything since then,” said the father.
According to the notice of detention, Pang Jian was criminally detained on suspicion of “inciting secession” at 11.00 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2021, reported RFA.
Both notices gave the place of detention as Gaobeidian Detention Center but Pang’s family have not been able to contact him there.
“We can’t get a hold of him now, and we haven’t found a lawyer,” he said.
An employee who answered the phone at the Gaobeidian Detention Center on July 3 said Pang is still being held there on suspicion of “inciting secession.”
Asked about Pang’s health and wellbeing, the employee said it was “very good,” with no mental health issues.
The employee said Pang isn’t allowed visits due to the coronavirus.
“They can’t visit right now,” the employee said. “One reason is that the case isn’t yet closed, and the other is the coronavirus situation, so no visits are allowed.”
Pang had written about Hebei’s extensive Catholic church community and unique culture, according to his US-based friend Ryan Shi who spoke to RFA.
“He took photos of almost all of the Catholic churches in Hebei, as well as local customs and architectural features,” Shi said.
Pang had also featured in Hong Kong media talking about Hebei’s underground Catholic community.
